Monopolar filter-press type electrolyzer

Abstract

An electrolyzer for producing an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution, halogen, and hydrogen from an aqueous halogenide-bearing electrolyte. The electrolyzer includes a plurality of alternating anolyte and catholyte chambers each formed by a pair of anode plates and cathode plates, respectively. Seals are provided between and around the perimeter of the two anode and cathode plates to define the chambers. A flat membrane member, permeable to ions is disposed between adjacent anode and cathode plates. The anode and cathode plate and seals include passages for the flow of process fluids. Each anode and cathode plate comprises an active portion permeable to the flow of gas and liquid and an inactive portion impermeable to the flow of gas and liquid.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A monopolar filter-press type electrolyzer for the production of an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution, halogen, and hydrogen from an aqueous halogenide-bearing electrolyte; the electrolyzer comprising: two end plates; a plurality of alternating anolyte and catholyte chambers each formed by two anode and two cathode plates and seals extending around the perimeters of the plates; a membrane permeable to ions separating the chambers; said seals having portions extending between the chambers for mounting said membrane and insulating said anode and cathode plates from each other; said anode plates, cathode plates, and seals having orifices which constitute inlet and outlet ducts for process fluids when said plates, membranes, and seals are assembled; each said anolyte and catholyte chamber including two anode and cathode plates having an active part permeable to gas and liquids, an inactive part impermeable and including at least four bores, said bores and said seals covering the inactive part of said anode and cathode plates and including at least four passages. 
     
     
       2. The electrolyzer defined in claim 1, wherein said seals covering the perimeters of said anode and cathode plates are U-shaped. 
     
     
       3. The electrolyzer defined in claim 1, wherein said seals surrounding said anode and cathode plates are double U-shaped and each said seal joins two anode and cathode plates. 
     
     
       4. The electrolyzer defined in claim 3, wherein the center portion of said seal includes means for reinforcing said center portion for forming a spacer separating pairs of anode and cathode plates. 
     
     
       5. The electrolyzer defined in claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein spacing between two said anode and two said cathode plates are 5 to 50 mm. 
     
     
       6. The electrolyzer defined in claim 1, wherein the inactive portion of the said anode and said cathode plates is plane-parallel to the active part and protrudes from the inactive part.